We invite you to honor Larry Doby’s many achievements and contributions to American major league athletics, civil rights, and the armed forces by cosponsoring H.R. 1861, the Larry Doby Congressional Gold Medal Act to award him the Congressional Gold
Medal. This legislation gained the support of over 290 Members of the House of Representative in the 114th Congress.

Lawrence Eugene “Larry” Doby was an extraordinary individual and a sports legend that broke through racial barriers by becoming the first African American to play professional baseball in the American League. Upon his honorable discharge from the United
States Navy in 1946, Larry Doby played baseball in the Negro League for the Newark Eagles. In 1947, his contract was purchased by the Cleveland Indians where he began his illustrious 13 year career in the American League. After appearing in 1,533 games and
batting .283, with 253 home runs and 969 runs batted in, and being voted to seven All-Star teams, Larry Doby was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.

In addition to being the first African American to play and hit a home run in a World Series, Larry Doby was deeply committed to his community. In expression of this profound commitment, Larry served as the Director of Community Relations for the NBA’s New
Jersey Nets. This position granted Larry the opportunity to leverage his character and stature to participate in and influence youth in many of New Jersey’s inner cities.

Larry Doby deserves recognition not only for his athletic feats, but also for his courageous leadership and the inspiration he gave to millions around the world as he fought racism and served as a paradigm of the American Dream. Please join us in honoring
a remarkable individual who worked hard to serve his community and played an important role in shaping America’s future. To become a cosponsor of this legislation, please contact Stephen Hostelley with Rep. Renacci (Stephen.Hostelley@mail.house.gov).